CES Las Vegas 2019: Kenwood eXcelon Reference Flagship Receiver

LAS VEGAS – At CESLas Vegas 2019, Kenwood unveiled its premium multimedia receiver at the 2019 CES in the eXcelon Reference DNX996XR, a complete entertainment, communication and driver assistance control center in a double-DIN chassis. Most significant in this year’s model is the ability of iPhone® users to wirelessly enjoy their content through the receiver using Apple® CarPlay™. The DNX996XR is also equipped with wired and wireless connectivity using Android Auto™. (Zennie62Media coverage of CESLas Vegas 2019 sponsored by LydaMusic. Listen to her new album Divine Distraction, here at this link.)

“Releasing our new top multimedia receiver each year is a highly anticipated event for our retailers and even our staff,” said Scott Caswell, senior marketing manager for KENWOOD. “It’s the one item that represents the best of everything Kenwood offers, and sets the tone for features that are shared throughout our Kenwood eXcelon and Kenwood lines. The capabilities of the DNX996XR represent a ton of research into what consumers want and need from an in-vehicle experience, letting them intuitively get information, communicate and monitor their driving and maneuvering status. And of course they get to enjoy their content through premium hardware, whether it’s from their smartphones, streaming services or the receiver’s inbuilt sources.”

Personalization Features Create the Ideal Listening Environment

With the eXcelon Reference DNX996XR, driving becomes a personal encounter. Through its array of wireless-enabled options, drivers have access to the same smartphone or Internet-based content and information whether they connect their phone to the receiver’s pair of 1.5-amp, rapid-charge USB ports, or leave it in a pocket or purse. The 6.8-inch capacitive touch screen is roomy and sensitive enough to allow for easy feature selection without distracting the driver. The high-definition display can also be tilted up or down via internal motorization for the optimum viewing angle, and its text can be re-sized for reading ease. The driver can even select which information to display on the screen from a selection of widgets including maps, weather, images, compass and navigation directions.

Sound quality can also be tailored to the driver’s tastes. The DNX996XR can accommodate a variety of audio formats including high-resolution 192kHz / 24-bit audio in FLAC or WAV files. Its internal audio processing makes use of 13 bands of equalization and time alignment to deliver the right frequencies to the listener’s ears at the right time. Three sets of gold-plated, five-volt, RCA-style connections provide ample signal to external amplifiers to build the ideal audio system.

Endless Content From a Variety of Onboard, Connected and Streaming Entertainment Options

Entertainment is at the core of the DNX996XR. In addition to smartphone content and streaming apps that are accessible via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, users have access to the over-the-air HD Radio network, which boasts more than 3,500 channels nationwide. SiriusXM compatibility (optional SiriusXM SXV300 tuner and subscription required) adds over 230 radio stations covering news, sports, talk and music. The DNX996XR also hosts interfaces to control and play content from Pandora Radio and Spotify via a connected smartphone. Built-in Bluetooth streaming is expanded on the DNX996XR with KENWOOD Music Mix. Up five users can connect their smartphones to play music through the receiver.

For video playback, the DNX996XR can play content from a DVD, SD card or USB memory device. In addition, drivers can mirror the screen of a connected and compatible Android-powered smartphone onto the DNX996XR while the vehicle is parked. The receiver also connects to optional rear-seat monitors, and its dual-zone capability allows rear-seat occupants to watch one source while another plays on the DNX996XR display.

Safety and Driver Assistance Capabilities Rival OEM Features

As safety features have become a major consideration with new-vehicle purchases, the DNX996XR’s driver assistance features provide direction, visibility and critical notifications. Built-in Bluetooth lets drivers minimize phone contact and communicate through the receiver, with up to two smartphones able to be connected simultaneously. Drivers can select from the built-in, turn-by-turn navigation from Garmin with live traffic notifications from INRIX, or access smartphone-based navigation apps like Waze through the Apple CarPlay or Android Auto interface. Garmin provides 2D or 3D map views along with lane instruction during navigation, and a new terrain view shows the driver a realistic layout of height and landscape.

Parking and maneuvering are made easier with connections for up to three optional cameras, such as the KENWOOD CMOS-320 or DRV-N520. The CMOS-320 provides a high-definition view with an optional distance overlay. The DRV-N520 records the front view while driving and if the vehicle is impacted while parked. Both models are controlled or adjusted from the DNX996XR touch display.

If the DNX996R is replacing a factory radio with extended capabilities like on-screen climate control, Bluetooth or satellite radio, these features can be retained and controlled through the new multimedia receiver with the addition of the optional iDataLink Maestro. Maestro interfaces between the receiver and factory installed options, also providing vehicle status information such as speed, vehicle faults and tire pressure. Additionally, it works with installed radar / laser detection systems from ESCORT and K40 Electronics, allowing users to receive data and manage settings of the device through the KENWOOD receiver display.

The KENWOOD eXcelon Reference DNX996XR will be available in March with a suggested retail price of $1,599.95. For more information on select models and features, visit www.kenwood.com/usa/car.

About JVCKENWOOD USA Corporation

JVCKENWOOD USA Corporation is a wholly-owned subsidiary of JVCKENWOOD Corporation and is a leading developer of imaging, home and car entertainment, and navigation products for the consumer market, two-way radio communications systems for public safety, private industry and amateur users, and video equipment for the broadcast and professional markets. For detailed information, call JVCKENWOOD USA at 1-800-950-5005 or visit us at http://us.jvckenwood.com, www.kenwood.com/usa and www.jvc.com.